Estimates-1956 — Page 56

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210.

Increased activities in the Division generally require the services of an additional Clerk to assist with the increasing volume of office work. The opening of the Victoria Park at Causeway Bay will necessitate the appointment of a Custodian to take charge of the grassed and hard surfaced areas. The Colony Stadium and the Bowen Road Pool Recreation Ground require 2 Leading Groundsmen, 3 Groundsmen and a Parkkeeper Class II. The other 2 Parkkeepers Class II are required in order to enable the King George V Memorial Park, Kowloon, and the Southorn Playground to be kept open until midnight in the summer months. The remaining additional posts are needed in consequence of the transfer from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department of roadside planting and similar work in the urban areas, in accordance with the approved forestry policy. These changes, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $130,062 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

211.

Under Other Charges, the net increase of $39,700 reflects the expanding activities of the Division resulting from the increase in the number of recreation grounds, etc., coming into use and the transfer of roadside planting work already mentioned.

212.

Special Expenditure includes $200,000 for the Victoria Park layout, being the pro- vision required for completing the soiling, turfing, shrubs and flower beds. $3,000 is provided for replacements for 2 motorcycles and $24,000 for perimeter standard lights required for the King George V Memorial Park, Kowloon, and the Southorn Playground. An additional lorry is required for roadside planting, provision of $19,000 being included.

HEAD 42C — URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT: HOUSING DIVISION

Estimate 1955/56

Revised estimate 1954/55

Approved estimate 1954/55

$280,700

65,000

52,914

Actual expenditure 1953/54

Permanent staff

Temporary staff

Net increase

1954/55

2

1955/56

Difference

19

+17

16

+16

33

213.

year.

The net increase of 33 posts includes 3 approved by Special Warrant during the The remaining 30 comprise:-

8 Temporary Clerks

4 Investigating Officers

2 Messengers

16 Investigating Officers (Temporary)

30

Preparation of sketch plans for the first proposed housing scheme has been in progress during the current year and it is hoped that building will commence during the forthcoming year. The additional posts will be required in connexion with the administrative and clerical work involved in putting approved schemes into effect. The additional posts, together with normal increments and salaries revision, account for the increase of $227,786 in the vote for Personal Emoluments.

214.

As from the date of approval of the first scheme, the cost of the staff of the Housing Division will be charged to the Housing Authority. A token figure of $100,000 is shown under Revenue Head 5c Subhead 7.